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Keep Your Heart Muscle Strong

[You might not notice it as readily as flabby arms or legs, but you should keep your heart muscle in shape, too. Over time, coronary artery disease (CAD) can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure or arrhythmias, which can be very serious conditions. They could even lead to death.

] Is Your Heart in Shape?

[ Have you ever been in a stressful situation and felt your heart start to flutter or beat faster? Perhaps you've felt it before a test, job interview, or even a first date. A fluttering feeling in your chest could be the sign of an arrhythmia--a problem with the speed or rhythm or your heartbeat.

] Are You Offbeat?

[It is normal for your heart rate to change during the course of a day. For instance, your heart beats slower when you sleep and faster when you exert yourself or are excited. Aside from these normal changes in heart rate, most people also experience an arrhythmia at some point in their lives. Many arrhythmias are harmless. But some can reduce your heart's ability to pump enough blood to the body or even lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

] Some Change Is Normal

[Some of the more serious signs and symptoms of arrhythmia include anxiety, sweating, dizziness, and chest pain. But keep in mind that many arrhythmias have no symptoms or occur infrequently, making them difficult to detect. So it's important to tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms, including fatigue, fainting, or trouble breathing.

] Talk with Your Doctor

[Find ways to deal with stress, which can trigger both arrhythmias and heart attacks. Try yoga, meditation, or simply talking with a friend.

] Reduce Stress

[ Be aware that addictive substances, such as alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs, can trigger arrhythmias.

] Addiction Triggers

[With heart failure, your heart can't pump enough blood through your body. You might be tired and out of breath, and your legs and abdomen may swell. Heart failure can limit your daily activities and shorten your life. But you can take action now to prevent heart failure...

] Prevent Heart Failure

[ Eat a heart-healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

] Eat Heart-Healthy

[ Low-fat dairy products and lean meats are good to eat, too. But cut down on salt, fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

] Curb Salts and Fats

[ Exercise regularly--for 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week.

] Stay Active

[Limit your alcohol intake. The upper limit for men is two drinks a day. For women, it's one drink. But if you are at high risk of developing heart failure, then you should avoid alcohol completely.

] Cut Back on Alcohol

[ Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

] Kick the Habit

[See your doctor regularly. If you have a condition that causes heart failure, follow his or her instructions for treating it properly.

Is Your Heart in Shape?

You might not notice it as readily as flabby arms or legs, but you should keep your heart muscle in shape, too. Over time, coronary artery disease (CAD) can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure or arrhythmias, which can be very serious conditions. They could even lead to death.

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